Nouméa is a city geared towards the lagoon, the Caledonian capital being one of the most liveable cities. Indulge yourself with a day at the beach, between Anse Vata and the Baie des Citrons (Lemon Bay). On the seafront, you can enjoy all water sports in one day.

The bancoule worm festival

It is an event that mobilises crowds: In September, Farino honours the bancoule worm. This beetle larva is savoured raw by the brave, or sautéed with pastis or butter. Are you ready for a surprising day of tasting, where you will feel you are taking part in an episode of the TV show Survivor?

Nouméa, the capital city of New Caledonia is on the ocean. Several bays extend along the city, providing magnificent beaches and points of view. Besides its natural features, Nouméa also has very attractive cultural offerings for tourists who choose to visit there.

From Ouvéa to the Isle of Pines, passing through Lifou, Tiga and Maré, the five islands bordering the Mainland, Grande Terre to the East are yet more gems to discover. From the blue hole of Hanawa at Ouvéa to the Warrior’s Leap at Wakone on Maré, via the Jokin Cliffs at Lifou or the Oro Bay on the Isle of Pines, let yourself be amazed!

The West Coast of the mainland (Grande Terre) shows off a great variety of scenery from its northern tip down to the area surrounding Nouméa. Characterised by both large spaces favouring cattle farming and a lagoon of stunning beauty, the West Coast is also host to a rich cultural heritage.

The central mountain range of the Mainland (Grande Terre) is a natural boundary, overlooking the very different faces of the East and West Coasts. Exposed to strong winds and therefore more humid, the eastern coast offers scenery with sumptuous flora. With a population of largely Melanesian origin, the East Coast has also retained a particularly charming flavour of authenticity.

The Great South, comprising the Mont-Dore and Yaté municipalities, is the most symbolic region for New Caledonia’s three main colours: blue, green and red. From the rainforest to the mining lands there are a thousand shades of green, while the ocean offers a dazzling palette of blues. But if one colour dominates the Great South, it is the specific red of its ground.

Hienghène
top tourist spot in the north

On the East Coast, Hienghène is the ideal destination if you love nature. Nature has been more than generous to this region, which is known as the Cradle of the Kanak soul. Simply divine: Imagine coral forests and black-stone cliffs in the middle of the lagoon, impressive waterfalls and lush vegetation. Hienghène is exoticism at its purest.

For Caledonians and tourists alike, Hienghène is surely one of the emblematic towns of New Caledonia. It includes many jewels for visitors: the Poule Couveuse, the waterfall of Tao and even the rocks at Lindéralique are all listed high in tourism guides that boast about the beauties of New Caledonia. And there are many more!

As a top biodiversity spot, Hienghène actually is doubly biodiverse! Its lagoon is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and two protected marine areas, Hienga and Doïman, were created to protect this zone. The diving spots off the shore of the town are also some of the most beautiful in Grande Terre. If you go diving there, you’ll perhaps be able to grab a snapshot of the very rare pygmy seahorse.

The Hienghène Lagoon

It's time to put on your diving gear and embark on a day at sea with Babou Côté Ocean, setting for the lagoon from the Koulnoué tribe. Those who have never done scuba diving can become initiated to this. For children, with a guide, flippers, mask and snorkel, you can take the marked water trail of the Hienga islet, just fifteen minutes from the Grande Terre.

Hienghène's Cathedral

Do not look for it on the side of the road! This is a true forest of corals. This place, called "Cathedral", sheltered by the Doïman reef, is one of the most beautiful diving spots in New Caledonia. At Cathedral, corals are intact and the depths impressive. For experienced divers, still in the company of the Babou Côté Océan diving centre.

A “Laying Hen” and a majestic sphinx

On land, the Mont Panié mountain, the highest point on New Caledonia (1,628m) is also a top spot for biodiversity. Dozens of researchers from all over the world come every year on study assignments to discover new species. Still, climbing it is still prohibited at this time.

Besides the famous rock formations of the “Hen” and the neighboring Sphinx, the village lets you gain access to the lagoon and black rock cliffs of Lindéralique. The village is also a starting point for several trails that lead to the tribes of Ouayaguette, Bas and Haut Coulna. The one leading to Ouayaguette is especially pretty. Rocky and following a river, it features dreamlike landscapes!

From Hienghène to the waterfall of Tao: a gorgeous journey!

And speaking of roads, you mustn’t miss the most beautiful length of road in all of New Caledonia. From the exit from the village to the waterfall of Tao, the road along the sea on the mountainside presents a grandiose landscape alternating between waterfalls, coconut trees and river mouths. The road also leads to the picturesque ferry on the Ouaième, whose luxuriant banks charm the eye.

Culture is everywhere in Hiegnhène. The village houses the Goa Ma Bwarhat cultural center, which provides an initiation to Kanak art and traditions. Traditional shows are also put on regularly.

In the Fwâj language, Hienghène (Hyehen) means “crying while walking,” so don’t be surprised if you shed a tear when you leave this splendid region!

Of the various tribes in the town, the most famous one is Tiendanite. Nestled in the mountains at the center of breathtaking landscapes, this is where Jean-Marie Tjibaou is buried, the Kanak independence leader who was assassinated in 1989 after signing peace treaties with the loyalist parties then represented by Jacques Lafleur.

What to do in Hienghène?

The Hienghène Forest

To discover the lush surroundings of the town, there is nothing like horse riding. One afternoon is sufficient to enjoy a trek among tribes, an original way to explore the area. Go further and discover the Caledonian Massif on horseback, accompanied by Abel, an experienced and qualified guide. The trek takes place in the heart of the Massif, offering exceptional views.

New Caledonia is a vast and diverse country. With our 7 day itinerary you can experience the bustling Noumea, day trip out to Amedee Island, visit Boulouparis Niaouli distillery, stay in a traditional hut, visit a village and stunning Poe Beach.